Bag dispenser with associated scooper

ABSTRACT

A bag dispenser includes a housing for storing a plurality of bags within an inner cavity thereof. The bag dispenser also includes a scooper associated with the housing. The scooper is configured to provide a frame over which a bag is placed to facilitate the collection of waste within the bag.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to devices for collectinganimal litter. More particularly, the present invention relates to adispenser of bags for collecting animal litter.

The rapid increase of urban population coupled with the increasingpopularity of dogs and other pets has created a serious sanitary problemin connection with the disposal of animal litter, and particular caninelitter. Because many animal pet owners have permitted their animals todeposit solid excrement on both private and public property, a number ofcommunities have enacted ordinances requiring pet owners, under penaltyof fine, to retrieve and dispose of lifter created by their pets.

It has been found that the willingness of pet owners to retrieve andproperly dispose of animal litter is related to the ease, convenienceand economy with which the litter may be handled in a clean and sanitarymanner. While a number of devices have been proposed for the purpose ofdisposing of animal litter, they have suffered from variousshortcomings. Some devices are not completely disposable and, therefore,require some degree of cleanup. Other types of devices, both of thedisposable and reusable varieties, are awkward and/or conspicuous tocarry. Moreover, some prior animal lifter collection devices are tooexpensive for everyday use.

One commonly accepted method for collecting and storing animal litteruntil a proper disposal site can be found involves the use of adisposable plastic bag. Some pet owners will simply place a plastic bag,such as a plastic grocery bag, in a clothing pocket for retrieval whenneeded. This method of collecting animal lifter presupposes, however,that the pet owner will always have access to and remember to grab aplastic bag prior to walking the pet. There have been proposals toprovide devices which would store plastic bags within a container thatmay be worn by the owner or the pet. Each of these prior devices,however, suffers several disadvantages which the present invention isintended to overcome.

The retractable leash has been gaining popularity for the last twentyyears and has taken its place as a permanent pet product. Some haverecognized the desirability of providing an easy way to carry pet wastecleanup bags when going for a walk utilizing such a retractable leash.For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,540,469 discloses a retractable leashplaced into an animal waste collecting device which incorporates its ownhandle, bag holder and flashlight. It is believed, however, that such anassembly involves apparatus and associated costs which are undesirable.

Accordingly, there is a need for a bag dispenser which provides accessto bags when needed. There is a further need for a bag dispenser whichprovides a scooper for use in conjunction with the bags. There is also aneed for a bag dispenser with a scooper that is modular to increase theease of collecting waste. The present invention fulfills these needs andprovides other related advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention discloses a bag dispenser which provides access tobags when needed. A bag dispenser embodying the present inventionprovides a scooper for use in conjunction with the bags. The scooper andbag dispenser of the present invention are modular to increase the easeof collecting waste.

A bag dispenser embodying the present invention includes a housing forstoring a plurality of bags within an inner cavity thereof. The bagdispenser also includes a scooper associated with the housing. Thescooper is configured to provide a frame with which a bag is associatedto facilitate the collection of waste within the bag.

The housing includes an aperture which permits access to the innercavity, the bags being individually removable from the housing throughthe aperture.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the scooper pivotallymoves relative to the housing between a storage position and anoperative position. The scooper is disposed about the housing in thestorage position and extends outwardly from the housing in the operativeposition.

In another embodiment of the invention, the housing includes means forretaining the scooper in the storage position. This storage positionretaining means includes an interference-fit detent in the housing forreceiving a portion of the frame.

In an additional embodiment of the invention, the housing includes meansfor retaining the scooper in the operative position. The operativeposition retaining means includes at least one interference-fit detentin the housing for receiving a portion of the frame.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the scooper comprises a curvedflange enveloping a portion of the housing in the storage position. Thehousing includes means for limiting pivotal movement of the scooperbeyond the operative position. The pivotal movement limiting meansincludes at least one stop extending away from the housing, abuttingagainst the scooper in the operative position. The bag dispenserincludes a hinge connecting the housing and frame which allows pivotalmovement of the housing and flange relative to one another between thestorage position and the operative position.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the frame defines a centralaperture. Placement of the bag over the frame allows waste to bepositioned on a portion of the bag over the central aperture. This wastebears down on the bag and causes the bag to invert as the bag movesthrough the central aperture.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the housing and frameof the bag dispenser are connected by a hinge having two apertures forreceiving opposite ends of the frame. The hinge includes a stop forlimiting pivotal movement of the frame. The stop includes a flangeextending outwardly from the hinge that abuts against the housing in theoperative position.

In accordance with still another embodiment of the invention, thehousing includes a pair of interference-fit detents for retaining theframe in the operative position. The housing includes at least one stopfor limiting pivotal movement of the frame.

In yet still another embodiment of the invention, the bag dispenserincludes means for folding the frame into two portions. The framepivotally moves relative to the housing, the frame being movable (e.g.,pivotable) to an intermediate position between a storage position and anoperative position, and wherein the folding means provides pivotmovement of the frame between the intermediate and operative positions.The housing includes means for retaining the frame in the intermediateposition. The housing includes means for retaining the frame in theoperative position, the frame being removable from housing andsubsequently unfolded and connected to the retaining means. Theretaining means includes at least two interference-fit detents in thehousing for retaining the frame, the frame held within the detents beingpivotally movable relative to the housing.

In an even further embodiment of the invention, the bag dispenserincludes a removable lid for enclosing an open end of the housing. Thelid includes an attachment means extending outwardly therefrom forconnecting the dispenser to a leash. The lid includes means forretaining the scooper in a storage position. The retaining meansincludes a detent associated with the housing for receiving a portion ofthe scooper in friction-fit engagement.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the scooper isintegrally formed with the housing. The housing includes a closure, andthe scooper extends outwardly from an end of the housing opposite theclosure. The bag dispenser includes a means for attaching the bagdispenser to a leash. The bag dispenser includes a window formed througha side wall of the housing for removal of bags therethrough. The housingincludes a removable lid over an open end of the housing, and thescooper extends outwardly from a side wall of the of the housing. Thebag dispenser includes a window formed through the side wall of thehousing for removal of bags therethrough.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following more detailed description, taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way ofexample, the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a bag dispenser embodying thepresent invention with a scooper shown in a storage position;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the bag dispenser of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the bag dispenser of FIG. 1showing the scooper pivotally moving from the storage position to anoperative position;

FIG. 4 illustrates a user placing their hand and the bag dispenser ofFIG. 1 into a plastic bag;

FIG. 5 illustrates the user positioning the bag dispenser of FIG. 1within the plastic bag;

FIG. 6 illustrates the user pushing a portion of the plastic bag throughan aperture of the scooper of the bag dispenser to create a receptaclefor receiving waste;

FIG. 7 illustrates the user scooping up waste into the receptacle;

FIG. 8 illustrates the user inverting the plastic bag so that the weightof the waste pulls the inverted bag through the aperture of the scooper;

FIG. 9 illustrates the user gripping the inverted plastic bag with theirfree hand and pulling the bag free from the bag dispenser scooper;

FIG. 10 is a front elevation view of another bag dispenser embodying thepresent invention with a scooper shown in a storage position;

FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of the bag dispenser of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of the bag dispenser of FIG. 10showing the scooper pivotally moving from the storage position to anoperative position;

FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view of the bag dispenser of FIG. 10showing the scooper in the operative position;

FIG. 14 is a rotated front perspective view of the bag dispenser of FIG.10 showing the scooper in the operative position;

FIG. 15 is a front elevation view of yet another bag dispenser embodyingthe present invention with a scooper shown in a storage position;

FIG. 16 is a rear elevation view of the bag dispenser of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a top plan view of the bag dispenser of FIG. 15 showing thescooper in the storage position;

FIG. 18 is a top plan view of the bag dispenser of FIG. 15 showing thescooper in an operative position;

FIG. 19 is a front perspective view of the bag dispenser of FIG. 15showing the scooper in the storage position;

FIG. 20 is a rear perspective view of the bag dispenser of FIG. 15showing the scooper pivotally moving from the storage position to theoperative position;

FIG. 21 is a rotated rear perspective view of the bag dispenser of FIG.15 showing the scooper in the operative position with the bag dispenserplaced within a plastic bag;

FIG. 22 is a front perspective view of an additional bag dispenserembodying the present invention with a scooper shown in a storageposition;

FIG. 23 is a front perspective view of the bag dispenser of FIG. 22showing the scooper pivotally moving from the storage position to anoperative position;

FIG. 24 is a rotated front perspective view of the bag dispenser of FIG.22 showing the scooper in the operative position;

FIG. 25 is a front perspective view of still another bag dispenserembodying the present invention with a folded scooper shown in a storageposition;

FIG. 26 is a front elevation view of the bag dispenser of FIG. 25;

FIG. 27 is a front perspective view of the bag dispenser of FIG. 25showing the folded scooper being pivotally moved from the storageposition to an intermediate position;

FIG. 28 is a front perspective view of the bag dispenser of FIG. 25showing the folded scooper being pivotally unfolded from theintermediate position to an operative position where the scooper isunfolded;

FIG. 29 is a rotated rear perspective view of the bag dispenser of FIG.25 showing the unfolded scooper in the operative position;

FIG. 30 is a front perspective view of yet still another bag dispenserembodying the present invention with a folded scooper shown in a storageposition;

FIG. 31 is a front perspective view of the bag dispenser of FIG. 30showing the folded scooper being pivotally moved from the storageposition to an intermediate position;

FIG. 32 is a front perspective view of the bag dispenser of FIG. 30showing the folded scooper being disconnected from a housing of the bagdispenser.

FIG. 33 is a front perspective view of the folded scooper of FIG. 32being pivotally unfolded from the intermediate position to an operativeposition where the scooper is unfolded;

FIG. 34 is a rotated front perspective view of the bag dispenser of FIG.25 showing the unfolded scooper being connected to the housing in theoperative position;

FIG. 35 is a front perspective view of a leash assembly including a bagdispenser embodying the present invention with a scooper shown in astorage position;

FIG. 36 is front perspective view of the leash assembly of FIG. 35showing the scooper pivotally moving from the storage position to anoperative position;

FIG. 37 is a front perspective view of another leash assembly includinga bag dispenser embodying the present invention with a scooper shown ina storage position where a handle of the scooper is connected to ahousing of the leash assembly;

FIG. 38 is front perspective view of the leash assembly of FIG. 37showing the scooper being disconnected from the housing of the leashassembly for operational use;

FIG. 39 is a front perspective view of yet another leash assemblyincluding a bag dispenser embodying the present invention with a scoopershown in a storage position within a holster receptacle of a housing ofthe leash assembly where a handle of the scooper extends from theholster;

FIG. 40 is front perspective view of a bag dispenser embodying thepresent invention with a scooper that extends outwardly from an end of ahousing of the bag dispenser;

FIG. 41 is a front elevation view of another bag dispenser embodying thepresent invention with a scooper that extends outwardly from a side of ahousing of the bag dispenser; and

FIG. 42 is a rotated front perspective view of the bag dispenser of FIG.41.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As shown in FIGS. 1-42 for purposes of illustration, the presentinvention resides in bag dispensers 50, 110, 160, 220, 270, 320, 500,530 with associated respective scoopers 76, 136, 186, 246, 296, 346,526, 556 and leash assemblies 380, 420, 460.

A bag dispenser 50 embodying the present invention, illustrated in FIGS.1-9, includes a generally cylindrical housing 52 defining an innercavity 54 for holding a roll 56 of plastic bags 58 within. The bags 58are connected end-to-end and wound about a tubular axle (not shown).

The housing 52 has an aperture 60 in a sidewall of the housing 52 whichpermits access to the inner cavity 54. The roll 56 of plastic bags 58 isdisposed within the inner cavity 54 of the housing 52 such that the bags58 may be individually removed therefrom through the aperture 60 in thehousing 52. The roll 56 of plastic bags 58 may be inserted into anddisposed within the inner cavity 54 through an upper open end (notshown) of the housing 52.

A closure 62, in the form of a cap or lid, is interference-fit connectedto the housing 52. The closure 62 encloses the upper open end of thehousing 52. The closure 62 includes a generally circular flange 64having a loop or bracket 66 extending upwardly and outwardly therefromfor connecting the bag dispenser 50 to a leash (not shown) or the like.

The housing 52 includes an upper annular flange 68 and a lower annularflange 70. Portions 72, 74 of the upper and lower annular flanges 68, 70extend outwardly from the housing 52 in the same direction. A scooperframe 76 is pivotally connected to the housing 52 at the upper and lowerannular flanges 68, 70 and is configured to provide a framework withwhich a bag 58 is associated to facilitate the collection of wastewithin the bag 58. Ends 78, 80 of the frame 76 extend into apertures 82,84 on the respective portions 72, 74 of the upper and lower annularflanges 68, 70. The scooper frame 76 is generally U-shaped with the ends78, 80 directed towards each other to form a partially open-sidedrectangle. The scooper frame 76 may be made from a variety of materialsincluding, without limitation, metal (e.g., steel, aluminum or thelike), plastic or the like. The frame 76 is preferably made of circularmetal wire bent into the generally rectangular shape.

The scooper frame 76 is pivotally movable, relative to the housing 52,between a storage position where the frame 76 is disposed about thehousing 52 and an operative position where the frame 76 extendsoutwardly from the housing 52. The housing 52 retains the scooper frame76 in the storage position using an interference-fit groove or detent 86located on the closure 62 that is sized and shaped for receiving aportion 88 of the frame 76. Likewise, the housing 52 retains the scooperframe 76 in the operative position using a pair of interference-fitgrooves or detents 90, 92 located elsewhere on the housing 52 thatreceive other portions 94, 96 of the frame 76. The interference-fitdetents 90, 92 for holding the frame 76 in the operative position arepositioned at the distal end of flanges 98, 100 that extend outwardlyfrom the portions 72, 74 of the upper and lower annular flanges 68, 70.The flanges 98, 100 extend outwardly from the upper and lower annularflanges 68, 70 in opposite directions away from the bag dispenser 50. Asshown, there is only a single detent 86 on the closure 62 on one side ofthe loop 66 but, alternatively, there could another detent on theopposite side of the loop 66 on the closure 62 to create an alternativestorage position if the frame 76 is pivoted in the direction of thealternative storage position from the operative position.

In the storage position, the frame 76 is interference-fit retained bythe detent 86 when the frame 76 being disposed about the housing 52.When the user is pivoting the frame 76 about the housing 52, the loop 66extending away from the closure 62 prevents the frame 76 from pivotingcompletely around the housing 52. A user pulls on the frame 76 torelease the portion 88 of the frame 76 from the detent 86 and pivots theframe 76 about the housing 52 approximately one-hundred eighty degreesto the operative position where the user pivots the frame 76 to wherethe portions 94, 96 of the frame 76 engage the detents 90, 92 forholding the frame 76 in the operative position. The detents 90, 92 arelocated away from the upper and lower annular flanges 68, 70 asufficient distance such that the detents 90, 92 extend slightly moreaway from the center of the dispenser 50 than the respective portions94, 96 of the frame 76 which the detents 90, 92 engage such that thereis an interference-fit between the portions 94, 96 and the detents 90,92. The scooper frame 76 is moved from the operative position to thestorage position by reversing the steps described above.

FIGS. 4-9 illustrate a user employing the bag dispenser 50 to pick upanimal waste 102. A user removes a bag 58 from the bag dispenser 50,opens the bag 58, and places a hand 104 holding the bag dispenser 50into the plastic bag 58 being held in the user's other hand 106 (FIG.4). The user then positions the bag dispenser 50 within the plastic bag58, preferably near a central portion of a closed end of the bag 58(FIG. 5). Using the hand 106 that had been holding the plastic bag 58,the user pushes a portion of the plastic bag 58 through an aperture 108of the scooper frame 76 to create a receptacle 109 for receiving waste102 (FIG. 6). A user then scoops the waste 102 into the receptacle 102formed by the bag 58 and frame aperture 100 (FIG. 7). With the waste 102in the receptacle 109, the user inverts the plastic bag 58 so that theweight of the waste 102 pulls the inverted bag 58 through the aperture108 (FIG. 8). The user then grips the inverted plastic bag 58 with theirfree hand 106 and pulls the bag 58 free from the scooper frame 76 (FIG.9).

In another embodiment of the present invention, FIGS. 10-14 illustrate abag dispenser 110, similar to the bag dispenser 50 described above. Thebag dispenser 110 includes a generally cylindrical housing 112 definingan inner cavity 114 for holding a roll 116 of plastic bags 118 within.The bags 118 are connected end-to-end and wound about a tubular axle(not shown).

The housing 112 has an aperture 120 in a sidewall of the housing 112which permits access to the inner cavity 114. The roll 116 of plasticbags 118 is disposed within the inner cavity 114 of the housing 112 suchthat the bags 118 may be individually removed therefrom through theaperture 120 in the housing 112. The roll 116 of plastic bags 118 may beinserted into and disposed within the inner cavity 114 through an upperopen end (not shown) of the housing 112.

A closure 122, in the form of a cap or lid, is interference-fitconnected to the housing 112. The closure 122 encloses the upper openend of the housing 112. The closure 122 includes a generally circularflange 124 having a loop or bracket 126 extending upwardly and outwardlytherefrom for connecting the bag dispenser 110 to a leash (not shown) orthe like.

The housing 112 includes an upper annular flange 128 and a lower annularflange 130. Portions 132, 134 of the upper and lower annular flanges128, 130 extend outwardly from the housing 112 in the same direction. Ascooper frame 136 is pivotally connected to the housing 112 by a hinge138 located on an elongated flange 140 extending from the housing 112between the upper and lower annular flanges 128, 130. The scooper frame136 is configured to provide a framework with which a bag 118 isassociated to facilitate the collection of waste within the bag 118. Thehinge 138 includes a hollow elongated tube 142 with two apertures 147,149 on opposite ends of the tube 142 for receiving opposite ends 144,146 of the frame 136 where the ends 144, 146 are held within theapertures 147, 149 by interference-fit. The scooper frame 136 isgenerally U-shaped with the ends 144, 146 directed towards each other toform a partially open-sided rectangle. The scooper frame 136 may be madefrom a variety of materials including, without limitation, metal (e.g.,steel, aluminum or the like), plastic or the like. The frame 136 ispreferably made of circular metal wire bent into the generallyrectangular shape.

The scooper frame 136 is pivotally movable, relative to the housing 112,between a storage position where the frame 136 is disposed about thehousing 112 and an operative position where the frame 136 extendsoutwardly from the housing 112. The housing 112 retains the scooperframe 136 in the storage position using an interference-fit groove ordetent 148 located on the closure 122 that is sized and shaped forreceiving a portion 150 of the frame 136. The scooper frame 136 is notable to pivot beyond the operative position due to a stop 152 includingan flange 154 extending outwardly from the hinge 138 and abuttingagainst the elongated flange 140 extending from the housing 112 when thescooper frame 136 is in the operative position. As shown, there is onlya single detent 148 on the closure 122 on one side of the loop 126 but,alternatively, there could another detent on the opposite side of theloop 126 on the closure 122 to create an alternative storage position.

In the storage position, the frame 136 is interference-fit retained bythe detent 148 when the frame 136 being disposed about the housing 112.When the user is pivoting the frame 136 about the housing 112, the loop126 extending away from the closure 122 prevents the frame 136 frompivoting completely around the housing 112. A user pulls on the frame136 to release the portion 150 of the frame 136 from the detent 148 andpivots the frame 136 about the housing 112 approximately one hundredeighty degrees to the operative position where the user pivots the frame136 to where the flange 154 of the stop 152 abuts the elongated flange140. The scooper frame 136 is moved from the operative position to thestorage position by reversing the steps described above.

FIGS. 15-21 illustrate yet another embodiment of the present inventionin the form of a bag dispenser 160, similar to the bag dispensers 50,110 described above. The bag dispenser 160 includes a generallycylindrical housing 162 defining an inner cavity 164 for holding a roll166 of plastic bags 168 within. The bags 168 are connected end-to-endand wound about a tubular axle (not shown).

The housing 162 has an aperture 170 in a sidewall of the housing 162which permits access to the inner cavity 164. The roll 166 of plasticbags 168 is disposed within the inner cavity 164 of the housing 162 suchthat the bags 168 may be individually removed therefrom through theaperture 170 in the housing 162. The roll 166 of plastic bags 168 may beinserted into and disposed within the inner cavity 164 through an upperopen end (not shown) of the housing 162.

A closure 172, in the form of a cap or lid, is interference-fitconnected to the housing 162. The closure 172 encloses the upper openend of the housing 162. The closure 172 includes a generally circularflange 174 having a loop or bracket 176 extending upwardly and outwardlytherefrom for connecting the bag dispenser 160 to a leash (not shown) orthe like.

The housing 162 includes an upper annular flange 178 and a lower annularflange 180. Portions 182, 184 of the upper and lower annular flanges178, 180 extend outwardly from the housing 162 in the same direction. Ascooper frame 186 is pivotally connected to the housing 162. Each of theflanges 178, 180 includes a hook 188, 190 extending outwardly away fromthe flanges 178, 180. Each hook 188, 190 appears on the surface to be aclosed loop but there is a small space 192 between each end 194, 196 ofthe hook 178, 180 and the respective flange 178, 180 to allow the hooks188, 190 to engage openings 198, 200 on the scooper frame 186. The hooks178, 180 are resilient enough to enlarge the space 192 sufficiently toallow thin portions 202, 204 of the scooper frame 186 disposed betweenthe openings 198, 200 and an edge 206 of the scooper frame 186 to passthrough the space 192 to the interior of a respective hook 178, 180 andthen return the space 192 to its original size once the portions 202,204 of the scooper frame 186 have passed through.

The scooper frame 186 is in the form of a curved flange. The scooperframe 186 is configured to provide a framework with which a bag 168 isassociated to facilitate the collection of waste within the bag 168. Thescooper frame 186 may be made from a variety of materials including,without limitation, metal (e.g., steel, aluminum or the like), plasticor the like.

The scooper frame 186 is pivotally movable, relative to the housing 112,between a storage position where the scooper frame 186 is disposed aboutand envelopes a portion of the housing 162 and the closure 172, and anoperative position where the frame 186 extends outwardly from thehousing 162. The scooper frame 186 is not able to pivot beyond theoperative position due to a side 208, 210 of each annular flange 178,180 acting as a stop to limit pivotal movement of the scooper frame 186beyond the operative position when the scooper frame 186 abuts againstthe flange edges 208, 210 in the operative position. The scooper frame186 is moved from the operative position to the storage position byreversing the steps described above.

FIGS. 22-24 illustrate still another embodiment of the present inventionin the form of a bag dispenser 220, similar to the bag dispensers 50,110, 160 described above. The bag dispenser 220 includes a generallycylindrical housing 222 defining an inner cavity 224 for holding a roll226 of plastic bags 228 within. The bags 228 are connected end-to-endand wound about a tubular axle (not shown).

The housing 222 has an aperture 230 in a sidewall of the housing 222which permits access to the inner cavity 224. The roll 226 of plasticbags 228 is disposed within the inner cavity 224 of the housing 222 suchthat the bags 228 may be individually removed therefrom through theaperture 230 in the housing 222. The roll 226 of plastic bags 228 may beinserted into and disposed within the inner cavity 224 through an upperopen end (not shown) of the housing 222.

A closure 232, in the form of a cap or lid, is interference-fitconnected to the housing 222. The closure 232 encloses the upper openend of the housing 222. The closure 232 includes a generally circularflange 234 having a loop or bracket 236 extending upwardly and outwardlytherefrom for connecting the bag dispenser 220 to a leash (not shown) orthe like.

The housing 222 includes an upper annular flange 238 and a lower annularflange 240. A pair of aligned, spaced apart side flanges 242, 244 arepositioned on a side of the housing 222 between the upper and lowerannular flanges 238, 240. The flanges 242, 244 extend outwardly from thehousing 222 in the same direction. A scooper frame 246 is pivotallyconnected to the housing 222 by the flanges 242, 244. Each flange 242,244 includes a snap-fit detent 248 engaging a side 250 of the scooperframe 246. The retention of the scooper frame 246 within the detents 248allows the scooper frame to pivot relative to the housing 222. Thescooper frame 246 is configured to provide a framework with which a bag228 is associated to facilitate the collection of waste within the bag228. The scooper frame 246 is generally rectangular. The scooper frame246 may be made from a variety of materials including, withoutlimitation, metal (e.g., steel, aluminum or the like), plastic or thelike. The frame 246 is preferably made of circular metal wire bent intothe generally rectangular shape.

The scooper frame 246 is pivotally movable, relative to the housing 222,between a storage position where the frame 246 is disposed about thehousing 222 and an operative position where the frame 246 extendsoutwardly from the housing 222. The housing 222 retains the scooperframe 246 in the storage position using an interference-fit groove ordetent 252 located on the closure 232 that is sized and shaped forreceiving a portion 254 of the frame 246. The scooper frame 246 is notable to pivot beyond the operative position due to a stop 256 thatextends from each side flange 242, 244. Each stop 256 includes anL-shaped flange 258 extending outwardly from side flange 242, 244towards and beyond the annular flanges 238, 240 with a short leg 260 ofthe L-shape extending outwardly from the housing 222. The L-shape of thestop 256 matches the general shape and location of a portion 262, 264 ofthe frame 246 with the frame 246 abutting against the L-shaped flanges258 when the scooper frame 246 is in the operative position. As shown,there is only a single detent 252 on the closure 232 on one side of theloop 236 but, alternatively, there could another detent on the oppositeside of the loop 236 on the closure 232 to create an alternative storageposition. In another alternative, each L-shaped flange 258 may include asnap-fit detent located at the end of the short leg 260 for retainingthe frame 246 in the operative position.

In the storage position, the frame 136 is interference-fit retained bythe detent 252 when the frame 246 being disposed about the housing 222.When the user is pivoting the frame 246 about the housing 222, the loop246 extending away from the closure 232 prevents the frame 246 frompivoting completely around the housing 222. A user pulls on the frame246 to release the portion 254 of the frame 246 from the detent 252 andpivots the frame 246 about the housing 222 approximately one hundredeighty degrees to the operative position where the frame 246 abuts thestop 256. The scooper frame 246 is moved from the operative position tothe storage position by reversing the steps described above.

As shown in FIGS. 25-29, a further embodiment of the present inventionis illustrated in the form of a bag dispenser 270, similar to the bagdispensers 50, 110, 160, 220 described above. The bag dispenser 270includes a generally cylindrical housing 272 defining an inner cavity274 for holding a roll 276 of plastic bags 278 within. The bags 278 areconnected end-to-end and wound about a tubular axle (not shown).

The housing 272 has an aperture 280 in a sidewall of the housing 272which permits access to the inner cavity 274. The roll 276 of plasticbags 278 is disposed within the inner cavity 274 of the housing 272 suchthat the bags 278 may be individually removed therefrom through theaperture 280 in the housing 272. The roll 276 of plastic bags 278 may beinserted into and disposed within the inner cavity 274 through an upperopen end (not shown) of the housing 272.

A closure 282, in the form of a cap or lid, is interference-fitconnected to the housing 272. The closure 282 encloses the upper openend of the housing 272. The closure 282 includes a generally circularflange 284 having a loop or bracket 286 extending upwardly and outwardlytherefrom for connecting the bag dispenser 270 to a leash (not shown) orthe like.

The housing 222 includes an upper annular flange 288 and a lower annularflange 290. A portion 292 of the lower annular flange 290 extendsoutwardly away from the housing 272. A side flange 294 extends outwardlyfrom the housing 272 on a side of the housing 272 between the upper andlower annular flanges 288, 290.

A scooper frame 296 is pivotally connected to the housing 272 at theportion 292 of the lower annular flange 290. The scooper frame 296 ismovable between a folded position (FIGS. 25-27) and an unfolded position(FIGS. 28-29). When the scooper frame 296 is in the unfolded position,the scooper frame 296 is, overall, generally rectangular in shape if nota perfect rectangle (e.g., the scooper frame 296 shown in FIGS. 25-29 ishexagonal). The scooper frame 296 may be made from a variety ofmaterials including, without limitation, metal (e.g., steel, aluminum orthe like), plastic or the like. The frame 296 is preferably made ofcircular metal rods bent into the desired shape.

The scooper frame 296 is pivotally movable, relative to the housing 272,between a storage position where the frame 296 is disposed about thehousing 272 and an operative position where the frame 296 extendsoutwardly from an end of the housing 272. The housing 272 retains thescooper frame 296 in the storage position using a pair ofinterference-fit grooves or detents 300 located on the closure 282, oneither side of the loop 286, that are sized and shaped for receivingportions 302, 304 of the frame 296.

The side flange 294 includes a pair of snap-fit interference detents 306engaging portions 308 of the scooper frame 296 when the scooper frame ispivoted from the storage position, where the scooper frame 296 isfolded, to an intermediate position where the scooper frame 296 extendsaway from the housing 272 and the detents 306 engage portions 308 of thescooper frame 296 to hold the scooper frame 296 in the intermediateposition so that the scooper frame 296 may be unfolded. A pair ofspring-loaded pins (not shown), located on a flange portion 298 of thescooper frame 296, extend through a respective pair of apertures (notshown) within the portion 292 of the lower annular flange 290 in orderto allow the scooper frame 296 to pivot between the storage andintermediate positions. The scooper frame 296 includes two mirror imagehalves 312, 314 connected by hinges 316, 318 at each end of the halves312, 314. An end of one of the hinges 318 is connected to the flangeportion 298 of the scooper frame 296. In the storage position, the frame296 is interference-fit retained by the detents 300 when the frame 296being disposed about the housing 272. A user pulls on the frame 296 torelease the portions 302 of the frame 296 from the detents 300 andpivots the frame 296 about the housing 272 approximately one hundredeighty degrees to the intermediate position where the scooper frame 296engages the detents 306 of the side flange 294.

The retention of the scooper frame 296 within the detents 306 of theside flange 294 allows the scooper frame 296 to be unfolded. The userpivots the halves 312, 314 of the housing 272 relative to each otheruntil the scooper frame 296 is in the unfolded, operative position. Thescooper frame 296 is configured to provide a framework with which a bag278 is associated to facilitate the collection of waste within the bag278. The scooper frame 296 is moved from the operative position to thestorage position by reversing the steps described above.

The construction of the hinges 316, 318 prevents the halves 312, 314 ofthe scooper frame 246 from being able to pivotally unfold beyond theoperative position.

An additional embodiment of the present invention, illustrated in FIGS.30-34, is in the form of a bag dispenser 320, similar to the bagdispensers 50, 110, 160, 220, 270 described above. The bag dispenser 320includes a generally cylindrical housing 322 defining an inner cavity324 for holding a roll 326 of plastic bags 328 within. The bags 328 areconnected end-to-end and wound about a tubular axle (not shown).

The housing 322 has an aperture 330 in a sidewall of the housing 322which permits access to the inner cavity 324. The roll 326 of plasticbags 328 is disposed within the inner cavity 324 of the housing 322 suchthat the bags 328 may be individually removed therefrom through theaperture 330 in the housing 322. The roll 326 of plastic bags 328 may beinserted into and disposed within the inner cavity 324 through an upperopen end (not shown) of the housing 322.

A closure 332, in the form of a cap or lid, is interference-fitconnected to the housing 322. The closure 332 encloses the upper openend of the housing 322. The closure 332 includes a generally circularflange 334 having a loop or bracket 336 extending upwardly and outwardlytherefrom for connecting the bag dispenser 320 to a leash (not shown) orthe like.

The housing 322 includes an upper annular flange 338 and a lower annularflange 340. A portion 342 of the lower annular flange 340 extendingoutwardly away from the housing 322 includes a slot 344 for receiving ascooper frame 346 that detachably connects to the housing 272 at theportion 342 of the lower annular flange 340. The scooper frame 346 ismovable between a folded position (FIGS. 30-33) and an unfolded position(FIGS. 33-34). When the scooper frame 346 is in the unfolded position,the scooper frame 346 is, overall, generally rectangular in shape if nota perfect rectangle (e.g., the scooper frame 346 shown in FIGS. 30-34 ishexagonal). The scooper frame 346 may be made from a variety ofmaterials including, without limitation, metal (e.g., steel, aluminum orthe like), plastic or the like. The frame 346 is preferably made ofcircular metal rods or wire bent into the desired shape.

The scooper frame 346 is pivotally movable, relative to the housing 272,between a storage position where the frame 346 is disposed about thehousing 322 and an operative position where the frame 346 extendsoutwardly from an end of the housing 322. The housing 322 retains thescooper frame 346 in the storage position using a pair ofinterference-fit grooves or detents 348 located on the closure 332, oneither side of the loop 336, that are sized and shaped for receivingportions 350, 352 of the frame 346.

A pair of side flanges 354, 356 extend outwardly from the housing 322 ona side of the housing 232 between the upper and lower annular flanges338, 340. Each side flange 354, 356 includes a snap-fit interferencegroove or detent 358 engaging portions 360, 362 of the scooper frame 346when the scooper frame 346 is pivoted from the storage position, wherethe scooper frame 346 is folded, to an intermediate position where thescooper frame 346 extends away from the housing 322 and is detached fromthe housing 322 so that the scooper frame 346 can then be unfolded andthe user positions portions 360, 362 of the scooper frame 296 to engagethe detents 358 to hold the unfolded scooper frame 346 in the operativeposition. A pair of pins 366 located on sides of a flange portion 364 ofthe scooper frame 346 slidingly engage a respective pair of grooves 368within the slot 344 of the portion 342 of the lower annular flange 340when the scooper frame 346 is inserted into the slot 344. Conversely,the pins 366 disengage from the grooves 368 when the scooper frame 346is slidingly disengaged from the slot 344. The scooper frame 346includes two mirror image halves 370, 372 connected by hinges 374, 376at each end of the halves 370, 372. An end of one of the hinges 374 isconnected to the flange portion 364 of the scooper frame 346. In thestorage position, the frame 346 is interference-fit retained by thedetents 348 when the frame 346 being disposed about the housing 322. Auser pulls on the frame 346 to release the portions 350, 352 of theframe 346 from the detents 348 and pivots the frame 346 about thehousing 322 approximately one hundred eighty degrees to the intermediateposition where the scooper frame 346 can be disengaged from the housing322.

After the scooper frame 346 is released from the housing 322, thescooper frame 346 is unfolded. Alternatively, the scooper frame 346 canbe unfolded while still engaging the housing 322. The user unfolds thescooper frame 346 by pivoting the halves 370, 372 of the housing 322relative to each other until the scooper frame 346 is unfolded. The userthen engages the portions 360, 362 of the scooper frame 346 to thesnap-fit interference detents 358 of the side flanges 354, 356 to placethe scooper frame 346 in the operative position. The scooper frame 296is configured to provide a framework with which a bag 278 is associatedto facilitate the collection of waste within the bag 278. The scooperframe 346 is moved from the operative position to the storage positionby reversing the steps described above.

The construction of the hinges 374, 376 prevents the halves 370, 372 ofthe scooper frame 346 from being able to pivotally unfold beyond theunfolded position.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, and withreference to FIGS. 35 and 36, a leash assembly 380 comprises thecombination of a retractable leash device 382 with a pet refuse bagdispenser 390. The leash device 382 includes a leash housing 384 fromwhich a retractable leash 386 extends. A handle 388 is formed with theleash housing 384 as is the bag dispenser 390. The dispenser 390includes a generally cylindrical housing 392 defining an inner cavity394 for holding a roll 396 of plastic bags 398 within. The bags 398 areconnected end-to-end and wound about a tubular axle (not shown).

The housing 392 has an aperture 400 in a sidewall of the housing 392which permits access to the inner cavity 394. The roll 396 of plasticbags 398 is disposed within the inner cavity 394 of the housing 392 suchthat the bags 398 may be individually removed therefrom through theaperture 400 in the housing 392. The roll 396 of plastic bags 398 may beinserted into and disposed within the inner cavity 394 through an openend (not shown) of the housing 392.

A closure 402, in the form of a threaded removable cap or lid, isinterference-fit connected to the housing 392. The closure 402 enclosesthe upper open end of the housing 392 but provides access to the innercavity 394 of the bag dispenser 390 when removed. A cord 404 or the likeis interconnected between the closure 402 and the handle 388 so that theclosure 402 does not fall to the ground when the closure 402 is removedto install a replacement roll 396 of bags 398.

The tubular axle (not shown) is insertable into one end of the innercavity 394 through the upper open end (not shown) covered by the closure402 and supported within the cavity 394 by an axle guide (not shown). Aspring-loaded pin (not shown) is also provided within the inner cavity394 and supported by the closure 402 to engage the tubular axle. Thisspring-loaded system keeps the roll 396 in place and allows the bag roll396 to spin when removing a bag 398 through the aperture 400 formed inthe side wall of the housing 392. The particular construction of thedispenser 390 facilitates easy removal of the bags 398 therefrom bymaintaining the axis of rotation of the roll 396 in a central positionwithin the inner cavity 394.

In the alternative, the bag dispenser 390 can be removably attached tothe base of the handle 388. For example, a clamp (not shown) having anopen faced channel (not shown) and grooves (not shown) opposing oneanother on lateral sides of the channel which is attached to or formedwith the base of the handle 388. A rail (not shown) configured to matewith the open faced channel and grooves is formed or otherwise attachedto the top portion of the bag dispenser 390. More particularly, the railcomprises a segment (not shown) extending upwardly from the top of thebag dispenser 390 and having flanges (not shown) extending outwardly atopposing lateral sides of the segment. The flanges are configured toslide into the grooves of the clamp, resulting in the upper face of thesegment lying flush within the open faced channel of the clamp. The railis frictionally fit within the clamp and is slidable into or slidableout of the clamp so as to attach or remove the dispenser 390 from theretractable leash handle 388.

A scooper frame 406 is pivotally connected to a side of the leashhousing 384. The scooper frame 406 is pivotally movable, relative to thehousing 384, between a storage position where the frame 406 is disposedwithin a recess 408 of the housing 384, sized and shaped tointerference-fit engage the sides of the frame 406, and an operativeposition where the frame 406 extends outwardly from the side of thehousing 384. The scooper frame is, overall, generally rectangular inshape if not a perfect rectangle (e.g., the scooper frame 406 shown inFIGS. 35 and 36 is octagonal). The scooper frame 406 may be made from avariety of materials including, without limitation, metal (e.g., steel,aluminum or the like), plastic or the like. The frame 406 is preferablymade of circular metal rods or wire bent into the desired shape. Thescooper frame 406 is configured to provide a framework with which a bag398 is associated to facilitate the collection of waste within the bag398.

The scooper frame 406 includes a cylindrical base 410 having a centralcylindrical bore 412. The base 410 of the scooper frame 406 is heldwithin a section 414 of the recess 408 by a pin 416 extending throughthe central bore 412 of the base 410 of the scooper frame 406. The pin416 engages apertures (not shown) located on opposite sides of thesection 414 of the recess 408. The engagement of the pin 416 and bore412 allows the scooper frame 406 to pivot relative to the leash housing384.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, andwith reference to FIGS. 37 and 38, a leash assembly 420 comprises thecombination of a retractable leash device 422 with a pet refuse bagdispenser 430. The leash device 422 includes a leash housing 424 fromwhich a retractable leash 426 extends. A leash handle 428 is formed withthe leash housing 424 as is the bag dispenser 430. The dispenser 430includes a generally cylindrical housing 432 defining an inner cavity434 for holding a roll 436 of plastic bags 438 within. The bags 438 areconnected end-to-end and wound about a tubular axle (not shown).

The housing 432 has an aperture 440 in a sidewall of the housing 432which permits access to the inner cavity 434. The roll 436 of plasticbags 438 is disposed within the inner cavity 434 of the housing 432 suchthat the bags 438 may be individually removed therefrom through theaperture 440 in the housing 432. The roll 436 of plastic bags 438 may beinserted into and disposed within the inner cavity 434 through an openend (not shown) of the housing 432.

A closure 442, in the form of a threaded removable cap or lid, isinterference-fit connected to the housing 432. The closure 442 enclosesthe upper open end of the housing 432 but provides access to the innercavity 434 of the bag dispenser 430 when removed. A cord 444 or the likeis interconnected between the closure 442 and the leash handle 428 sothat the closure 442 does not fall to the ground when the closure 442 isremoved to install a replacement roll 436 of bags 438.

The tubular axle (not shown) is insertable into one end of the innercavity 434 through the upper open end (not shown) covered by the closure442 and supported within the cavity 434 by an axle guide (not shown). Aspring-loaded pin (not shown) is also provided within the inner cavity434 and supported by the closure 442 to engage the tubular axle. Thisspring-loaded system keeps the roll 436 in place and allows the bag roll436 to spin when removing a bag 438 through the aperture 440 formed inthe side wall of the housing 432. The particular construction of thedispenser 430 facilitates easy removal of the bags 438 therefrom bymaintaining the axis of rotation of the roll 436 in a central positionwithin the inner cavity 434.

In the alternative, the bag dispenser 430 can be removably attached tothe base of the handle 428. For example, a clamp (not shown) having anopen faced channel (not shown) and grooves (not shown) opposing oneanother on lateral sides of the channel which is attached to or formedwith the base of the handle 428. A rail (not shown) configured to matewith the open faced channel and grooves is formed or otherwise attachedto the top portion of the bag dispenser 430. More particularly, the railcomprises a segment (not shown) extending upwardly from the top of thebag dispenser 430 and having flanges (not shown) extending outwardly atopposing lateral sides of the segment. The flanges are configured toslide into the grooves of the clamp, resulting in the upper face of thesegment lying flush within the open faced channel of the clamp. The railis frictionally fit within the clamp and is slidable into or slidableout of the clamp so as to attach or remove the dispenser 430 from theretractable leash handle 388.

A scooper frame 446 is detachably connected to a side of the leashhousing 424. The scooper frame 446 detachable from a storage position onthe leash housing 424 where a recess (not shown) on a rectangular basehandle 448 of the frame 446 is sized and shaped to interference-fit arectangular flange 450 extending from a side of the leash housing 424 sothat the engagement of the base 448 and the flange 450 retains thescooper frame 446 on the housing 424. When the frame 446 is disengagedfrom the side of the housing 424, the user holds the freed frame 446 bythe base handle 448 in an operative position as the scooper frame 446 isconfigured to provide a framework with which a bag 438 is associated tofacilitate the collection of waste within the bag 438. The scooper frame446 may be placed back in the storage position by engaging the recess ofthe base 448 with the flange 450. The scooper frame 446 is, overall,generally rectangular in shape if not a perfect rectangle (e.g., thescooper frame 446 shown in FIGS. 37 and 38 is octagonal). The scooperframe 446 may be made from a variety of materials including, withoutlimitation, metal (e.g., steel, aluminum or the like), plastic or thelike. The frame 446 is preferably made of circular metal rods or wirebent into the desired shape.

In accordance with an additional embodiment of the present invention, asillustrated in FIG. 39, a leash assembly 460 comprises the combinationof a retractable leash device 462 with a pet refuse bag dispenser 470.The leash device 462 includes a leash housing 464 from which aretractable leash 466 extends. A leash handle 468 is formed with theleash housing 464 as is the bag dispenser 470. The dispenser 470includes a generally cylindrical housing 472 defining an inner cavity474 for holding a roll 476 of plastic bags 478 within. The bags 478 areconnected end-to-end and wound about a tubular axle (not shown).

The housing 472 has an aperture 480 in a sidewall of the housing 472which permits access to the inner cavity 474. The roll 476 of plasticbags 478 is disposed within the inner cavity 474 of the housing 472 suchthat the bags 478 may be individually removed therefrom through theaperture 480 in the housing 472. The roll 476 of plastic bags 478 may beinserted into and disposed within the inner cavity 474 through an openend (not shown) of the housing 472.

A closure 482, in the form of a threaded removable cap or lid, isinterference-fit connected to the housing 472. The closure 482 enclosesthe upper open end of the housing 472 but provides access to the innercavity 474 of the bag dispenser 470 when removed. A cord 484 or the likeis interconnected between the closure 482 and the leash handle 468 sothat the closure 482 does not fall to the ground when the closure 482 isremoved to install a replacement roll 476 of bags 478.

The tubular axle (not shown) is insertable into one end of the innercavity 474 through the upper open end (not shown) covered by the closure482 and supported within the cavity 474 by an axle guide (not shown). Aspring-loaded pin (not shown) is also provided within the inner cavity474 and supported by the closure 482 to engage the tubular axle. Thisspring-loaded system keeps the roll 476 in place and allows the bag roll476 to spin when removing a bag 478 through the aperture 480 formed inthe side wall of the housing 472. The particular construction of thedispenser 470 facilitates easy removal of the bags 478 therefrom bymaintaining the axis of rotation of the roll 476 in a central positionwithin the inner cavity 474.

In the alternative, the bag dispenser 470 can be removably attached tothe base of the leash handle 468. For example, a clamp (not shown)having an open faced channel (not shown) and grooves (not shown)opposing one another on lateral sides of the channel which is attachedto or formed with the base of the handle 468. A rail (not shown)configured to mate with the open faced channel and grooves is formed orotherwise attached to the top portion of the bag dispenser 470. Moreparticularly, the rail comprises a segment (not shown) extendingupwardly from the top of the bag dispenser 470 and having flanges (notshown) extending outwardly at opposing lateral sides of the segment. Theflanges are configured to slide into the grooves of the clamp, resultingin the upper face of the segment lying flush within the open facedchannel of the clamp. The rail is frictionally fit within the clamp andis slidable into or slidable out of the clamp so as to attach or removethe dispenser 470 from the retractable leash handle 468.

A scooper frame 486 is holstered in a side pocket 488 of the leashhousing 464. The scooper frame 486 is removable from a storage positionwithin the side pocket 488 on the leash housing 464 that is sized andshaped to receive the scooper frame 486. A rectangular base handle 490of the frame 486 extends from the side pocket 488 so that the scooperframe 486 may be grabbed by a user. When the frame 486 is removed fromthe side pocket 488 of the housing 464, the user holds the freed frame486 by the base handle 490 in an operative position as the scooper frame486 is configured to provide a framework with which a bag 478 isassociated to facilitate the collection of waste within the bag 478. Thescooper frame 486 may be placed back in the storage position sliding thescooper frame 486 into the side pocket 488. The scooper frame 486 is,overall, generally rectangular in shape if not a perfect rectangle(e.g., the scooper frame 486 shown in FIG. 39 is octagonal with the sidepocket 488 sized and shaped to match the shape of the frame 486). Thescooper frame 486 may be made from a variety of materials including,without limitation, metal (e.g., steel, aluminum or the like), plasticor the like. The frame 486 is preferably made of circular metal rods orwire bent into the desired shape.

An additional embodiment of the present invention, illustrated in FIG.40, is in the form of a bag dispenser 500, similar to the bag dispensers50, 110, 160, 220, 270, 320 described above. The bag dispenser 500includes a generally cylindrical housing 502 defining an inner cavity504 for holding a roll 506 of plastic bags 508 within. The bags 508 areconnected end-to-end and wound about a tubular axle (not shown).

The housing 502 has an aperture 510 in a sidewall of the housing 502which permits access to the inner cavity 504. The roll 506 of plasticbags 508 is disposed within the inner cavity 504 of the housing 502 suchthat the bags 508 may be individually removed therefrom through theaperture 510 in the housing 502. The roll 506 of plastic bags 508 may beinserted into and disposed within the inner cavity 504 through an upperopen end (not shown) of the housing 502.

A closure 512, in the form of a cap or lid, is interference-fitconnected to an end 514 of the housing 502. The closure 512 encloses theupper open end of the housing 502. The closure 502 includes a generallycircular flange 516 having a pair of loops or brackets 518 extendingupwardly and outwardly therefrom for connecting the bag dispenser 500 toa leash (not shown) or the like using a tie 520.

A scooper frame 526 is connected to, and extends away from, an end 522of the housing 502 opposite the end 514 that the closure 512 is locatedon. The scooper frame 526 is, overall, generally rectangular in shape ifnot a perfect rectangle (e.g., the scooper frame 526 shown in FIG. 40 isoctagonal). The scooper frame 526 may be made from a variety ofmaterials including, without limitation, metal (e.g., steel, aluminum orthe like), plastic or the like. The frame 526 is preferably made ofcircular metal rods or wire bent into the desired shape. The scooperframe 526 is configured to provide a framework with which a bag 508 isassociated to facilitate the collection of waste within the bag 508.

In an alternative embodiment, the scooper frame 526 may be connected toan end of an elongated handle instead of the bag dispenser 500. The pairof loops or brackets 518 may extending upwardly and outwardly from anopposite side of the elongated hand to provide a means of connecting thehandle to a leash (not shown), harness (not shown) or the like using atie 520. In another alternative, only a single loop may extend from theend of the handle for connecting the handle to a leash (not shown),harness (not shown) or the like. The handle may be generallyrectangular, cylindrical or the like in shape. The handle may alsoinclude a rubber grip to aid a user in holding the handle.

In yet a further embodiment of the present invention, as seen in FIGS.41 and 42, a bag dispenser 530, similar to the bag dispensers 50, 110,160, 220, 270, 320, 500 described above. The bag dispenser 530 includesa generally cylindrical housing 532 defining an inner cavity 534 forholding a roll 536 of plastic bags 538 within. The bags 538 areconnected end-to-end and wound about a tubular axle (not shown).

The housing 532 has an aperture 540 in a sidewall of the housing 532which permits access to the inner cavity 534. The roll 536 of plasticbags 538 is disposed within the inner cavity 534 of the housing 532 suchthat the bags 538 may be individually removed therefrom through theaperture 540 in the housing 532. The roll 536 of plastic bags 538 may beinserted into and disposed within the inner cavity 534 through an upperopen end (not shown) of the housing 532.

A closure 542, in the form of a cap or lid, is interference-fitconnected to an end 544 of the housing 532. The closure 542 encloses theupper open end of the housing 532. The closure 542 includes a generallycircular flange 546 having a loop or bracket 548 extending upwardly andoutwardly therefrom for connecting the bag dispenser 530 to a leash (notshown) or the like.

The housing 532 includes an upper annular flange 550 and a lower annularflange 552. A generally U-shaped scooper frame 556 is of unitaryconstruction with the annular flanges 550, 552 and the curve of theU-shaped scooper frame 556 extends outwardly from the housing 532. Thescooper frame 556 is configured to provide a framework with which a bag538 is associated to facilitate the collection of waste within the bag538. The scooper frame 556 may be made from a variety of materialsincluding, without limitation, metal (e.g., steel, aluminum or thelike), plastic or the like.

The bag dispensers 50, 110, 160, 220, 270, 320, 500, 530, leashassemblies 380, 420, 460, and their various components may be made of avariety of materials including, without limitation, metal, plastic orthe like.

The bag dispenser 50, 110, 160, 220, 270, 320, 500, 530 is intended tobe utilized in connection with a collar, harness or a leash device (notshown) commonly utilized when walking one's pet. The bag dispenser 50,110, 160, 220, 270, 320, 500, 530 may also be attached to a key chain(not shown) or the like. The leash device may be simple leather or chainleash or a leash device that incorporates a retractable leash thatextends from a housing.

Although several embodiments have been described in detail for purposesof illustration, various modifications may be made without departingfrom the scope and spirit of the invention.

1. A pet refuse bag dispenser, comprising: a housing for storing aplurality of bags within an inner cavity thereof; and a scooperassociated with the housing and configured to provide a frame with whicha bag is associated to facilitate the collection of waste within thebag.
 2. The bag dispenser of claim 1, wherein the housing includes anaperture which permits access to the inner cavity, the bags beingindividually removable from the housing through the aperture.
 3. The bagdispenser of claim 1, wherein the scooper moves relative to the housingbetween a storage position and an operative position.
 4. The bagdispenser of claim 3, wherein the scooper pivots relative to the housingbetween the storage position and the operative position.
 5. The bagdispenser of claim 3, wherein the scooper is disposed about the housingin the storage position.
 6. The bag dispenser of claim 5, wherein thescooper extends outwardly from the housing in the operative position. 7.The bag dispenser of claim 3, wherein the housing includes means forretaining the scooper in a storage position.
 8. The bag dispenser ofclaim 7, wherein the storage position retaining means includes aninterference-fit detent in the housing for receiving a portion of theframe.
 9. The bag dispenser of claim 3, wherein the housing includesmeans for retaining the scooper in the operative position.
 10. The bagdispenser of claim 9, wherein the operative position retaining meansincludes at least one interference-fit detent on the housing forreceiving a portion of the frame.
 11. The bag dispenser of claim 3,wherein the scooper comprises a curved flange enveloping a portion ofthe housing in the storage position.
 12. The bag dispenser of claim 11,wherein the housing includes means for limiting pivotal movement of thescooper beyond the operative position.
 13. The bag dispenser of claim12, wherein the pivotal movement limiting means includes at least onestop extending away from the housing, abutting against the scooper inthe operative position.
 14. The bag dispenser of claim 11, including ahinge connecting the housing and frame which allows pivotal movement ofthe housing and flange relative to one another between the storageposition and the operative position.
 15. The bag dispenser of claim 1,wherein the frame defines a central aperture, and wherein placement ofthe bag over the frame allows waste positioned on a portion of the bagover the central aperture to bear down on the bag and cause the bag toinvert as the bag moves through the central aperture.
 16. The bagdispenser of claim 1, wherein the housing and frame are connected by ahinge having two apertures for receiving opposite ends of the frame. 17.The bag dispenser of claim 16, wherein the hinge includes a stop forlimiting pivotal movement of the frame.
 18. The bag dispenser of claim17, wherein the stop includes a flange extending outwardly from thehinge and abutting against the housing in the operative position. 19.The bag dispenser of claim 3, wherein the housing includes a pair ofinterference-fit detents for retaining the frame in the operativeposition.
 20. The bag dispenser of claim 19, wherein the housingincludes at least one stop for limiting pivotal movement of the frame.21. The bag dispenser of claim 1, including means for folding the frameinto two portions.
 22. The bag dispenser of claim 21, wherein the framemoves relative to the housing, the frame being movable to anintermediate position between a storage position and an operativeposition, and wherein the folding means provides pivot movement of theframe between the intermediate and operative positions.
 23. The bagdispenser of claim 22, wherein the frame pivots relative to the housing,the frame being pivotable to the intermediate position between thestorage position and the operative position.
 24. The bag dispenser ofclaim 22, wherein the housing includes means for retaining the frame inthe intermediate position.
 25. The bag dispenser of claim 22, whereinthe housing includes means for retaining the frame in the operativeposition, the frame being removable from housing and subsequentlyunfolded and connected to the retaining means.
 26. The bag dispenser ofclaim 25, wherein the retaining means includes at least twointerference-fit detents in the housing for retaining the frame, theframe held within the detents being pivotally movable relative to thehousing.
 27. The bag dispenser of claim 1, including a removable closurefor enclosing an open end of the housing.
 28. The bag dispenser of claim27, wherein the closure includes an attachment means extending outwardlytherefrom for connecting the dispenser to a leash.
 29. The bag dispenserof claim 27, wherein the closure includes means for retaining thescooper in a storage position.
 30. The bag dispenser of claim 29,wherein retaining means includes a detent associated with the housingfor receiving a portion of the scooper in friction-fit engagement. 31.The bag dispenser of claim 1, wherein the scooper is integrally formedwith the housing.
 32. The bag dispenser of claim 31, wherein the housingincludes a closure, and the scooper extends outwardly from an end of thehousing opposite the closure.
 33. The bag dispenser of claim 32,including means for attaching the bag dispenser to a leash.
 34. The bagdispenser of claim 32, including a window formed through a side wall ofthe housing for removal of bags therethrough.
 35. The bag dispenser ofclaim 31, wherein the housing includes a removable lid over an open endof the housing, and the scooper extends outwardly from a side wall ofthe housing.
 36. The bag dispenser of claim 35, including a windowformed through the side wall of the housing for removal of bagstherethrough.
 37. A pet refuse bag dispenser, comprising: a housingincluding an inner cavity for storing a plurality of bags therein and anaperture which permits access to the inner cavity, the bags beingindividually removable from the housing through the aperture; a scooperassociated with the housing and configured to provide a frame with whicha bag is associated to facilitate the collection of waste within thebag, the scooper pivoting relative to the housing between a storageposition and an operative position and extending outwardly from thehousing in the operative position; means for retaining the scooper in astorage position including an interference-fit detent in the housing forreceiving a first portion of the frame in friction-fit engagement; meansfor retaining the scooper in the operative position; and a removableclosure for enclosing an open end of the housing, the closure includingan attachment means extending outwardly therefrom for connecting thedispenser to a leash; wherein the scooper is disposed about the housingin the storage position.
 38. The bag dispenser of claim 37, wherein theoperative position retaining means includes a pair of interference-fitdetents on the housing for receiving a second portion of the frame andretaining the frame in the operative position.
 39. The bag dispenser ofclaim 38, wherein the housing includes at least one stop for limitingpivotal movement of the frame.
 40. The bag dispenser of claim 37,wherein the housing and frame are connected by a hinge including a stopfor limiting pivotal movement of the frame and two apertures forreceiving opposite ends of the frame, and the stop includes a flangeextending outwardly from the hinge and abutting against the housing inthe operative position.
 41. The bag dispenser of claim 37, includingmeans for folding the frame into two portions; wherein the frame pivotsrelative to the housing, the frame being pivotable to an intermediateposition between the storage position and the operative position, thefolding means providing pivotal movement of the frame between theintermediate and operative positions.
 42. The bag dispenser of claim 41,wherein the housing includes means for retaining the frame in theintermediate position.
 43. The bag dispenser of claim 41, wherein thehousing includes means for retaining the frame in the operative positionhaving at least two interference-fit detents in the housing forretaining the frame within the detents such that the frame is pivotallymovable relative to the housing; the frame being removable from housing,subsequently unfolded, connected to the retaining means.
 44. A petrefuse bag dispenser, comprising: a housing including an inner cavityfor storing a plurality of bags therein and an aperture which permitsaccess to the inner cavity, the bags being individually removable fromthe housing through the aperture; a scooper associated with the housingand configured to provide a frame with which a bag is associated tofacilitate the collection of waste within the bag, pivoting relative tothe housing between a storage position and an operative position,extending outwardly from the housing in the operative position, andcomprising a curved flange enveloping a portion of the housing in thestorage position; a hinge connecting the housing and frame which allowspivotal movement of the housing and flange relative to one anotherbetween the storage and operative positions; means for limiting pivotalmovement of the scooper beyond the operative position including at leastone stop extending away from the housing, abutting against the scooperin the operative position; and a removable closure for enclosing an openend of the housing and including an attachment means extending outwardlytherefrom for connecting the dispenser to a leash; wherein the scooperis disposed about the housing in the storage position.